The Department of Health is reminding the public to play their
part in staying healthy and well this winter.
Existing pressures on health and social care services have the
potential to rise further during the winter months.
Speaking during National Self-Care Week, Health Minister is taking the opportunity to
remind everyone to look after their own physical health and
mental wellbeing this winter.
Minister Nesbitt said: “Each of us can play
our part in managing our own health and wellbeing this winter.
Our health and social care services face even more pressure at
this time of year, so any steps that we can take, no matter how
small, can make a big difference in helping to protect ourselves
against the effects of infections and seasonal viruses.
“Self-Care Week is a great opportunity to highlight how
to better look after ourselves. Looking after your mental
health is also really important, especially over the festive
period. It can be a difficult, sometimes lonely period for a lot
of people, particularly for the older members of our
community. I would encourage people to check in on friends
and older neighbours and offer any help and support you
can.
“Community Pharmacies are also a great source of
information, particularly for minor illnesses and ailments,
through the Pharmacy First service. Speak to your local
pharmacist if you need advice around colds, flu and sore
throats. You do not need an appointment for this. Look after
yourself and others this winter.”
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride said:
“Providing people with all the necessary resources to enable them
to take care of their own physical and mental health is crucial.
Not only does it equip us to make better, healthier choices for
our overall wellbeing, but it can also help ease the burden on
our health and social care services. Vaccinations
also play an important part in keeping people safe and well
over the festive period and I would encourage anyone eligible to
get vaccinated against Covid-19 and the flu.
“I encourage everyone to take steps to improve your health and
wellbeing, including some longer steps. Please consider using
services to help you stop smoking, reduce your alcohol intake and
increase your physical activity.”
The Pharmacy First Service provides confidential consultations on
common illnesses in a private area of the pharmacy where symptoms
will be assessed and treatment may be given.
Advice can also be accessed online on other ways to keep well by
keeping warm, keeping moving and eating well. Further information
can be found on the NI Direct, HSC and Public Health Agency
websites.
Online resources available at:-
Keeping warm - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/keep-warm-keep-healthy
Eating well - https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/the-eatwell-guide-and-resources
Stop smoking services - https://www.stopsmokingni.info/
Mental Health - https://www.mindingyourhead.info/
Pharmacy First service - https://online.hscni.net/our-work/pharmacy-and-medicines-management/community-pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/
Living well - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/living-well
Symptom checker - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/illnesses-and-conditions
Choose To Live Better advice on eating well and getting active
- https://www.choosetolivebetter.com/
Flu vaccine - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine
Covid-19 vaccine - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-vaccine
HSC Apps Library - https://dhcni.hscni.net/hsc-apps-library/
Notes to editors:
- Self-Care Week is an annual national awareness week, ran by
the Self Care Forum, that focuses on embedding support for
self-care. More information can be found at https://www.selfcareforum.org/events/self-care-week/
